Postscript

In 1984, Communist leaders in Ethiopia told a Christian named Dereje Tilahun to leave his job as a land surveyor and begin work as a political cadre (communist activist) within the Communist government.

“I said, ‘No.  You are atheist. I believe in God, so how can I join with you?’” he explained. “We had to speak up and say ‘This is wrong.’ I was bold enough to tell them.”

“I didn’t give up my faith”

He credited this boldness to the support he had from a group of Christians gathering together in their homes at night to pray and study the scripture.  Through all of the seventeen years of Communist rule in Ethiopia, this group grew closer to God and each other.

Dereje sees that God used this time to strengthen and prepare these believers as well as cement into his heart the importance of Bible study.  When Dereje refused to work for the government, he lost both his surveying job and his freedom.  Like many evangelical Christians in Ethiopia at that time, he spent time in prison.

“It was only six days,” he said with a smile, “But it was very tough!  I was obliged to lie on a cement floor.  In the evenings there were beatings.”

His understanding of scripture sustained him through that time.  “In prison, I secretly brought a Bible,” he laughed.  Whenever he could, he read the words aloud for the other prisoners who listened eagerly.

“I didn’t give up my faith.  I told [the guards] that the only way to salvation is Jesus Christ.  They were laughing at me, but sometimes now these same people are coming to Jesus Christ,” he shared.

From Land Survey to Bible Survey

After his time in prison, Dereje was without a job and unsure where to go. He spent two months praying and believing God would provide whatever he needed.  Through a friend, he heard about a job working with Scripture Union, an international organization that aims to make God’s Good News known to children, youth, and families through Bible reading and prayer.  Over the next ten years, Dereje worked with Scripture Union by spreading Bible Study and devotional materials across Ethiopia particularly among high school students.

“When I joined Scripture Union, I told them that I [went] from land survey to Bible survey,” he said.

The materials, though, were all printed in Amharic, the national language in Ethiopia.  As a native Amharic speaker, Dereje did not question whether people speaking any of the other languages of Ethiopia would understand these materials. Now, however, he sees the importance of providing scripture and devotional materials for people in their heart language.

This realization deepened when a childhood friend, Alemayehu Hailu, a Wycliffe Africa member who now serves as the Director of SIL Ethiopia, invited him to he attend a workshop done by SIL.  After the workshop, Alemayehu and others urged Dereje to join in translation work.

Recognizing the Need

Dereje went to his family and church members seeking prayer and discernment.  “It took me two years to decide,” he recalled. He was motivated by the incredible need he saw.

“There are more than 80 languages in Ethiopia, and only 8 have the [whole] Bible!  It’s not good to give Amharic Bibles to those people who don’t understand.  We have to bring the Bible in their own language.  When it is in their mother tongue, they can understand it. They can love it.”

Finally in May 2009, Dereje stepped down from his job of fourteen years working with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) in radio broadcasting and magazine editing.  He joined Wycliffe Africa and was seconded to SIL Ethiopia. He now works in the Scripture Use department where he oversees a team preparing and distributing printed materials, recordings, and videos that help people apply scripture to their everyday lives.

“I see that my life was built by the word of God by studying the Word in group Bible studies.  I want to transfer this idea, this knowledge, to other people in their own language.  Then their life will also be changed by it,” he shared.

“The Bible is my life,” he said while placing his hands on his well-worn copy of the Bible in his own language.  “I cannot live without the Bible.”

Photos by Adam Jeske

Read a longer version of this story

Note: This story was written by Christine Jeske. I traveled with Christine, and her husband, Adam, in March 2011. This was one of the stories we worked on while we were there.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Dr. Haileyesus Engedashet and Dr. Daniel Hankore are both
Bible translation consultants in Ethiopia. Photo by Adam Jeske

“Dir biabir anbesa yasir.”
“If all the spiders work together to make a web, they can capture a lion.”
-Ethiopian proverb

At first glance, Dr. Daniel Hankore and Dr. Haileyesus Engedashet may seem like unlikely partners in Bible translation work. They worship with different denominations, speak entirely distinct mother tongues, and work with separate organizations. Yet both are Translation Consultants, and both believe passionately in translation.

As they took turns speaking at a Bible translation awareness gathering, there was no doubt they shared a common purpose. And between sessions as they enjoyed laughter and coffee together, it was clear their friendship runs deep.

Recalling the years they spent attending graduate school together, Daniel said with a friendly slap to Haileyesus’ shoulder, “We became like family.”

Partnership brings synergy

The partnership between Haileyesus and Daniel is a piece of a larger picture across their home country of Ethiopia where partnership in Bible translation is bringing together a vast array of Christians toward a common purpose.

2009 Ethiopia CP Meetings held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Photo by David Ringer

Partnership is not unique to Ethiopia, nor is it new in Ethiopian translation work. The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, a member of the Lutheran World Federation, invited Wycliffe staff to come to Ethiopia to help with Bible translation programs more than 30 years ago. Over the years, that partnership broadened to include other denominations and organizations.

Recently some of these partners gathered to formalize their partnership and design a Comprehensive Plan (CP) that outlines agreed upon goals and activities for language development and translation.

This partnership includes the two largest protestant denominations in the country—the Ethiopian K’ale Heywet Church (meaning “Word of Life”) and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (meaning “Place of Jesus”). The partnership also includes The Word for the World Ethiopia; the Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE); Protestant and Orthodox churches; several organizations associated with the Wycliffe Global Alliance; and SIL Ethiopia, which brings its expertise in education and language development.

“[The partnership] has created synergy. We can do better by partnering with others than we can by ourselves unilaterally,” said Rev. Yonas Yigezu Dibisa, Director of the Department for Mission and Theology for Mekane Yesus.

Much has yet to be done

The enormity of the task of translation in Ethiopia reinforces the need for unity. Over 80 languages have been identified in Ethiopia, of which only eight have complete scriptures and nineteen have complete New Testaments.

Yilma Getahun, General Secretary for The Bible Society of Ethiopia.
Photo by David Ringer

Yilma Getahun, General Secretary for The Bible Society of Ethiopia, spoke similarly. “[Partnership] starts when we see the number of languages in the country and the number of scriptures translated. It is very clear how much work needs to be done.”

One reason for partnership is to use resources wisely.

“[Alone] we cannot reach the whole nation, but if we work with different organizations we can share different skills, expertise, and it minimizes cost and time,” said Tessema Wachemo, Director of The Word for the World Ethiopia.

While efficiency in resource use is a clear advantage of partnership, Mike Bryant, the CP Manager for SIL, made the point that “partnership is most important because of the issue of ownership.”

Doug Blacksten, Deputy Director of SIL Ethiopia and the previous National CP Manager, explained, “If translations were done by one group and not the others, some groups just wouldn’t accept it.”

While the organizations share a common purpose, they each bring unique skills.

“Everyone brings to the table their strengths and their experience, and we need everyone in the group for developing a language, [translating the Bible], publishing it, and finally making it available to the community,” said Dr. Tesfaye Yacob, National CP Manager and former General Secretary for the K’ale Heywot Church.

Focusing on common goals

No relationships come without challenges, though. The past decade in Ethiopia has seen splits within denominations as well as confusion over responsibilities among different organizations and disappointments over funding expectations.

Dr. Daniel Hankore fields questions. Photo by Adam Jeske

At the workshop, Haileyesus and Daniel fielded difficult questions on the differences between denominations.

“If we work together and resolve our problems it will be better than pointing fingers at one another,” Daniel said afterward. “We must protect our unity.” In order to achieve this unity, he advised, “Look not at your own identity; look at the common goals.”

Tessema Wachemo agreed that they must focus on the urgency of the task. “People are dying and losing their opportunities before they hear the word of God in their mother tongue,” he said. “[Bible translation] is not an optional ministry, it is mandatory.”

Read a longer version of Partners in Translation.

Note: This story was written by Christine Jeske. I traveled with Christine, and her husband, Adam, in March 2011.  This was one of the stories we worked on while we were there.

Learn more about the Ethiopia Comprehensive Project.

Popularity: 15% [?]

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Africa but weren’t sure where to begin, I recommend 10 books from a variety of genres to help you get started.

Christian Perspectives

Africa Bible Commentary: More than 70 different African theologians have contributed to this reference book. It can be a great tool to use while doing personal Bible study.  It will help you gain new insights about the Bible through African perspectives.

Beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia (by Mensa Otabil): This one is on my reading list, but I haven’t read it, yet.  It has been highly recommended by some of our African colleagues.  This book explores the Africans of the Bible and sheds light on God’s purposes for the peoples of Africa (and people of African heritage).

Biography

They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky (by Benjamin Ajak, Benson Deng, Alephonsian Deng, and Judy Berstein): This powerful story gives a very personal perspective of the Sudanese civil war through the eyes of three young men who experienced its atrocities first hand.  It can help you to begin to understand why Sudan split into two countries this past July.

Fiction

Things Fall Apart (by Chinua Achebe): This story is set in Nigeria just before colonialism.  It gives a fascinating look into life and traditions in a rural village through the eyes of protagonist, Okonkwo.  Cultural clashes erupt when European foreigners arrive.  This is the first of three books in a trilogy.  The others are No Longer At Ease and Arrow of God.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (by Alexander McCall Smith): This is the first in a series of books set in Botswana about a woman who runs a small detective agency.  This is great light reading. These books are a lot of fun.  It offers a refreshingly positive glimpse of African life.

Modern History and Commentary

State of Africa: A History of 50 Years of Independence (by Martin Meredith): If you want an overview of what has happened since independence in every country on the continent, this will give it to you.  It’s packed with information but written in a style that will draw you into the content.  I learned a great deal from this book.

Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles (by Richard Dowden):  This is another book which gives a sweeping overview of the continent, but it doesn’t cover as big of a time period as Meredith’s book.

The Challenge for Africa (by Wangari Maathai): Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, describes some of Africa’s current difficulties including her view of the reasons behind them and then provides her vision for a way forward.  She does an excellent job at expounding on some of the environmental challenges and solutions.

Cultural Perspectives

Into Africa: Intercultural Insights (by Yale Richmond and Phyllis Gestrin):  This was one of the first books I read before we moved to Africa.  Some of the information seems a little dated, but for the most part, it was very helpful.  It will provide information about nearly every aspect of life in different parts of Africa from familial customs, to business etiquette, to authority structures.

African Friends and Money Matters (by David Maranz): Money can be a source of cross-cultural conflict, and this book clearly defines some of the differences between how Westerners view financial matters and how many Africans do.  Each topic gives some excellent background to the cultural values that are the foundation behind different financial practices.

What books about Africa that you would recommend?

Popularity: 11% [?]

Here’s a list of six of things you may not think of that I suggest you have with you on a trip to most sub-Saharan African countries:

1. Passport photos: I always carry at least four passport photos with me.  You  may need these for any number of things–a visa application, a government permit you didn’t know you needed…who knows.  There are photo studios around in cities, but you never know if you’ll be asked for photos at a time when the photo shops aren’t open or aren’t conveniently located to where you are.
2. Malaria home test kit: Malaria is prevalent in most African countries and taking a malaria prophylaxis will help you prevent contracting the parasite.  However, taking a prophylaxis doesn’t eliminate your risk of getting the illness completely.  Malaria test kits can be purchased at pharmacies in many African cities. Home test kits can be just as accurate as tests in the hospital as long as you carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit.
3. ACT (Artemether Combined Therapy): If you do contract malaria, ACT is one of the best medicines to take.  I keep a packet of this with me on my trips just in case.  You can usually find this at most pharmacies in urban areas in Africa.  Buy it before leaving urban areas.
4. International drivers permit: These can be acquired at your local auto club (like AAA in the US). You may not be planning to drive, and in some places, driving might not be advisable, but having this permit will allow you to drive if you need to, legally.
5. Debit card: In many countries in Africa, if you need cash, you can get it at an ATM using a debit card from your home country.  The exchange rate is usually better than most foreign exchange cash counters, especially the ones at airports.  Call your bank ahead of time to let them know where you’re going to make sure they don’t put a fraud block on your card when you try to use it abroad.  Also, be sure to get your cash while you’re in an urban area because you may not find an ATM in more rural locations.
6. US Dollars: If you must use a forex cash counter or if you are in an emergency situation, USDs are usually the best currency to have. Additionally, they often are the only currency accepted if you buy a visa upon arrival in a country. Bring the newest bills you can find–2006 series or newer are best. Most of it should be in larger designations like 100s, 50s, or 20s at the smallest.  How much you take depends on where you go, but a minimum amount could be $210 (one 100, one 50, two 20s and two 10s). That amount gives you lots of flexibility to pay different amounts.

What unexpected items have you found useful to have with you when you travel abroad?

Popularity: 12% [?]

other African languages

Afrikaans

Arabic

English

French

Portuguese

Spanish

Swahili

This map shows the official languages of the countries in Africa.

I used to think that a national or official language of a country was the language that everyone in that country knew.  What I’ve learned since I started working for Wycliffe is that the reality is much more complicated.  Below is some of what I’ve learned from our linguist colleagues about language use.

In Africa the main official languages are French, English, Arabic and Portuguese, but for the most part African countries host a multilingual environment where different languages are used by different people in different contexts. Sometimes the language listed as the official language of a country is only spoken by 20% or less of the population.  Often other languages are used in the home and maybe even another language or two for trade.

Let’s take Kenya as an example. More than 50 different languages are spoken there.

• Most of these languages would be considered home languages, or languages that people use with their family or with other people from the same ethnic group. It’s often a language people use to express their deep feelings with the people with whom they are closest.  For some people, particularly in rural and remote areas, it may be the only language they know or the only one for which they have an extensive vocabulary.
• Trade languages are languages that different ethnic communities in a geographic zone use to conduct business and communicate with each other.  One of the trade languages used all around Kenya and in many other parts of East Africa is KiSwahili.  However, sometimes other languages are used for this same purpose in smaller geographic areas.
• The official language of Kenya is English (KiSwahili was recently added as another official language).  Official languages are the languages used by the government–in the courts, in official documents, and in other government contexts.  Official languages are often the languages used by the elite and those with the highest levels of education and in areas with a high concentration of ethnic diversity (like large urban slums) where another trade language is not the primary means of communications. In a big city like Nairobi where not only are there many different Kenyan ethnicities coming together but also people from other parts of the Africa and the world, English is more widely spoken than in other cities in Kenya.  Trade languages and official or national languages can be referred to as languages of wider communication or lingua francas because they serve as bidges that allow diverse groups of people to talk to each other.

People in highly urban areas may regularly use three or more languages even in the course of one day. In contrast, someone who lives in a remote or rural area may only know one language well and may have limited vocabulary in another one or two languages.

These become important factors to consider in Bible translation projects and generally in determining what languages to use in ministry.  African church leaders as well as non-African foreigners who have ministries in African countries must carefully consider several factors:

• How well do their audiences know different languages?
• What kinds of vocabulary do they know in each language?
• How do they use each one?
• In which language do they express feelings, ideas or deep truths?
• Does one language have more status than another, and what implications will choosing one language over another have in a given context?

Multilingualism isn’t new. We know from the Bible that Jesus knew several languages: Aramaic (likely his home language), Hebrew, and Greek since it was the trade language of the eastern Roman empire. He probably didn’t know the official language of the Roman empire (Latin) because it was not widely spoken in the eastern part of the empire.

Popularity: 26% [?]